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Creamy Chicken and Pasta with Rich Parmesan Sauce Recipe

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4.3 from 60 reviews

This Creamy Chicken and Pasta recipe is a rich and flavorful weeknight dinner that combines tender, marinated chicken breast with a velvety, spiced cream sauce and perfectly cooked fusilli pasta. Ready in just 35 minutes, it elevates comfort food with a gourmet twist.

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

For the Chicken Marinade:

  • 1 large chicken breast, butterflied
  • Salt & pepper to taste
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley
  • ¼ teaspoon chili flakes
  • ½ tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon butter (for cooking)

For the Pasta Sauce:

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 8 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1 tablespoon flour mixed with 2 tablespoons water (flour slurry)
  • Handful fresh parsley, chopped
  • 8 oz cooked Fusilli pasta
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon chili flakes
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Marinate the Chicken: Season the butterflied chicken breast with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, dried parsley, and chili flakes. Drizzle with olive oil and let it marinate for 10 minutes to infuse the flavors.
  2. Cook the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon butter in a skillet over medium heat. Sear the chicken for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken and set it aside to rest before slicing.
  3. Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons butter and allow it to brown slightly for a minute. Add the diced red bell pepper and minced garlic, then sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  4. Thicken the Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and stir in the flour slurry to thicken the sauce. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for 2-3 minutes until it slightly thickens.
  5. Add Flavor: Stir in smoked paprika, garlic powder, chili flakes, and chopped parsley, mixing well. Let the sauce bubble gently to meld all the spices.
  6. Cook the Pasta: Meanwhile, cook the fusilli pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  7. Bring it Together: Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat it evenly. Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and allow it to melt thoroughly into the sauce.
  8. Top with Chicken: Slice the rested chicken and arrange it over the pasta. Garnish with extra parsley and Parmesan cheese if desired before serving.

Notes

  • Butterflying the chicken helps it cook evenly and quickly.
  • Allowing the chicken to rest before slicing keeps it juicy.
  • Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best melting and flavor.
  • Adjust chili flakes based on your preferred spice level.
  • The flour slurry is essential for thickening the sauce without lumps.
  • Fusilli pasta holds the creamy sauce well due to its spiral shape.
  • Author: Daisy
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://dishiary.com/creamy-chicken-and-pasta-with-rich-parmesan-sauce-recipe/